2023 Hyundai Kona spied testing

The next-generation 2023 Hyundai Kona small SUV has been spied testing for the first time, ahead of its official reveal expected in approximately 12 months' time, and Australian launch likely towards the end of 2023.

The images of a prototype published by AutoPost (via The Korean Car Blog) show on-road development of the second-generation Kona is in its early stages, though it appears the new Hyundai SUV will be larger than the vehicle it replaces, with a longer wheelbase (the distance between the axles).

Heavy camouflage obscures the new Kona's specific design details – however it appears it will retain the outgoing car's split headlight design, judging by the low-set light beams pictured active on the prototype, and cut-outs in the camouflage seen higher up, likely for daytime-running lights.

The photos don't provide a glimpse inside the cabin, though expect a pair of 10.25-inch displays for instrument and infotainment duties to feature, alongside plush leather seats and the latest interior technologies.

Exactly how the interior looks remains to be seen – and whether Hyundai opts for the conjoined dashboard panel seen inside the i30 Sedan small car, or the separated layout visible within the Tucson mid-size SUV.

Under the skin, the new Hyundai Kona is slated to ride on a new front- and all-wheel-drive platform – which should be expected to underpin the next Kia Seltos, due in 2024 – that will retain a choice of petrol and electric power.

Details published online suggest the new Kona Electric will once again be twinned with the next Kia Niro EV – specifications for either car are yet to surface. The outgoing Kona Electric (in Extended Range trim) paired a 150kW/365Nm motor with a 64kWh battery for 484km of WLTP driving range.

The Korean Car Blog reports a sporty N Line variant will continue to be available – likely powered by a carry-over or slightly uprated version of the current Kona N Line's 146kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (in Australia).

Whether Hyundai will offer a second-generation Kona N remains to be seen – be it with pure petrol power, or a powered-up hybrid or plug-in hybrid system, as are becoming increasingly common across the Hyundai range globally. A 'regular' Kona Hybrid is currently available in Europe.

Reports suggest production of the 2023 Hyundai Kona will begin in Europe in the first half of 2023 – suggesting a global reveal in early 2023, which would correlate to an Australian launch by the end of next year.

As reported earlier this month, unsubstantiated rumours indicate the second-generation Kona may serve a dual purpose of both replacing its predecessor, and taking the place of the i30 hatchback, which may not be replaced once production of the current model ends.